Small Town News

Distinguished Superiorite recalled by those who had honored him in 2008 Hall of Fame Induction

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Joe Gonzales, charter member of the 2008 Superior High School Hall of Fame Induction, was recently remembered at a funeral mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Tucson, Ariz .

Gonzales was buried with military honors at Holy Hope Cemetery in Tucson. He died Sept. 16 from heart failure. He was 88.

Joe, born in Bowie, Ariz., was one of five children. His parents were Frank and Louisa Gonzales. His grandfather had a concession with a freight company in Tucson to haul silver ore in 20-mule team wagons between Pinal City and Florence. The rich silver mine in Silver King, north of Superior, was productive from 1875 to the end of the 19th century. Gonzales Pass, west of Superior on the Highway 60-70 route was named after the Gonzales freight route.

Gonzales, 1936 graduate of Superior High School, was also honored as a member of the 1936 State Football Championship Team at the 2008 Induction. A University of Arizona graduate, Gonzales had the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Air Corp. during World War II. Joe's service to his country didn't end with the military. He went to work on the staff of U.S. Sen. Carl Hayden, D-AZ.

As a legislative assistant, his work in Washington D.C. ended after 34 years.

In 1975, Gonzales was appointed by then Arizona Gov. Raul H. Castro to the Arizona-Mexico Commission to coordinate activities of the U.S. Customs Service. Over the years, he continued to serve in various organizations.

Mr. Gonzales is a prime example of those in the SHS Hall of Fame who have distinguished themselves and have made notable contributions to the world community. Our deepest sympathy to his wife, Opal and son, Thomas.

We salute Joe Gonzales, member of the 2008 Superior High School Hall of Fame. ~ Manny Ruiz, Chairman, SHS Hall of Fame



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